Title: Two Men Fatally Shot in Ensley Home Backyard Identified by Birmingham Police
Subtitle: Birmingham sees a surge in homicide cases as authorities search for answers
Date: July 16, 2023
Authorities have identified the victims of a deadly shooting that took place in the back yard of an Ensley home on Saturday night. According to Birmingham police, Lee Ross, 71, of Birmingham, and Daryl Jones, 62, of Gardendale, were gunned down in a tragic incident that has left the community in shock.
The shooting occurred around 11 p.m. on the 1700 block of 48th Street in Ensley. Officer Truman Fitzgerald revealed that the city’s Shot Spotter gunfire detection system alerted West Precinct officers to multiple shots fired. As they were en route, they received another alert about two individuals being shot.
Upon arrival, law enforcement found Ross and Jones outside of a residence with gunshot wounds. Both victims were swiftly transported to UAB Hospital, but unfortunately, they succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced dead.
Fitzgerald described the victims as individuals who were simply enjoying their evening when an unidentified suspect opened fire on them. It is believed that at least one of the victims may have been specifically targeted. Meanwhile, investigators have confirmed that at least ten shots were fired during the incident.
Family members were present at the scene, and emotions ran high as they sought answers for this senseless act of violence. Fitzgerald commented on the distraught situation, stating, “Everybody’s emotional, just trying to figure out what’s going on. Everybody’s trying to figure out why somebody would want to hurt these two men.”
As of now, no arrests have been made, leaving the community on edge and searching for justice. The incident marks the 75th and 76th homicides in Birmingham this year. Among these cases, one involved an officer-involved shooting by an outside law enforcement agency, and six others were ruled justifiable, consequently not deemed criminal.
Furthermore, the broader region of Jefferson County has witnessed a total of 108 homicides, with Birmingham accounting for 76 of those cases. This surge in violent incidents is alarming for both local residents and law enforcement agencies who are diligently working to address and resolve the crime wave.
In light of this tragedy, Birmingham homicide detectives are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation. They can be reached at 205-254-1764. Alternatively, anonymous tips can also be provided to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
As the investigation unfolds, the community hopes for swift justice and an end to the violence that has plagued their streets.